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WAYS TO SERVE

8100+

Hours Contributed

Since 2022!

Ways to Serve

BECOME A VOLUNTEER.

Let us know what you would like to do. We have activities and events going on all the time and would love your support! We have a variety of opportunities for you to get involved and we always appreciate an extra hand! Become a Volunteer by filling out this online form:

Minor Volunteers please additionally fill out this form:

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Mentoring at WAYS for Life is a highly revered and valuable position in our Volunteer Program. Current research around healthy mentor programs serving foster youth shows much better outcomes for those youth who have established a long-term relationship with a safe, trusted adult.

 

Every youth is one supportive adult away from reaching their potential.​

What is the Mentorship Program?

Many youth lack the consistent and intense support from caring adults that is required to navigate the challenging transition to adulthood, the demands of school, and other developmental milestones. Research indicates that even one high-quality mentoring relationship, especially with an adult outside of the youth’s family, can significantly impact various developmental outcomes.

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However, approximately 1 in 3 young adults report growing up without this type of support, particularly those at risk due to factors like poverty or being in the foster care system.

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Interpersonal connections help people to survive and thrive, while a strong social network provides dependable support and opportunities. Having a sense of autonomy is vital to the development of motivation and ambition. Gaining positive experience with required or desired tasks provides a sense of competence.

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Ensuring basic support is imperative for youth who may be abruptly forced to fend for themselves upon leaving care. By fulfilling the needs for interpersonal connection, autonomy, and competence, we aim to create a supportive environment for youth to develop and succeed.

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Our mentorship program focuses on the development of self-determination, which is essential for positive youth development. Self-determination theory emphasizes the importance of fulfilling three simultaneous needs: interpersonal connection, autonomy, and competence.

What Does it Mean
to be a Mentor?

Being a mentor at WAYS for Life is about more than just offering advice; it’s about being a consistent, supportive presence in a young person’s life. As a mentor, you will:

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  • Invest time and energy into the growth and development of a youth.

  • Show up consistently and be reliable.

  • Practice good time management and ensure you have enough time to dedicate to mentoring.

  • Be aware of your biases and strive to be non-judgmental.

  • Support your mentee by encouraging them to solve problems and take their own steps, rather than solving problems for them.

  • Provide guidance, encouragement, and support.

Mentors play a crucial role in helping youth learn problem-solving skills, develop self-determination, and achieve their goals by walking alongside them in their journey.

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What Does it Take to be a Mentor?

To become a mentor at WAYS for Life, you must complete the following steps of the mentor application process:

 

  • Start as a Volunteer. You must first become a volunteer and complete a minimum of 5 hours of on-site volunteering.

  • Complete Volunteer Training. You must complete our online volunteering training program.

  • Submit a Mentor Application. After completing your volunteer hours, you will need to submit a mentor application.

  • Complete Mentor Training. You must complete our online mentor training program.

  • Undergo a Level 2 Background Check. A Level 2 background check is required, which must be done through our designated provider, regardless of any previous background checks.​

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Once all requirements are completed, you will enter a waiting list, which accepts mentors on a rolling basis. Please note that we cannot guarantee a mentee at any point, as mentees are also accepted on a rolling basis based on availability and requests for mentors.
 
By meeting these requirements, you will be prepared to provide the guidance, encouragement, and support necessary to help a youth in care navigate their challenges and work towards their goals.

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